Tiger Territory

About Tiger Territory

Visitors to Tiger Territory will embark on a journey through an Indonesian habitat, coming face-to-face with beautiful tigers through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

The exhibit has been designed with ZSL’s team of tiger keepers, conservationists and experts to ensure that it perfectly suits the big cats’ needs.

Tigers are excellent climbers and like to observe their terrain from a towering vantage point and Tiger Territory allows them to do just that. The exhibit features tall trees for the cats to scale and high feeding poles to encourage their natural predatory behaviours.

The European breeding programme and the Global Management Species Programme for Sumatran tigers are both coordinated by ZSL London Zoo – where ZSL’s specialists are responsible for ensuring a healthy and diverse population of tigers in zoos around the world.

Tiger Territory will inform and inspire a generation of people to treasure the tiger and understand their role in its survival. It will also help fund ZSL’s tiger conservation work in the field, providing a lifeline for years to come.

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The world’s tallest land mammal has today been classified as ‘vulnerable’ to extinction on the IUCN Red List following a staggering population decline of 40% in just 30 years.

Earlier today ZSL went live with our giraffe experts to discuss the threats facing this beautiful species and what can be done to help them.

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Discover what it's like to get up close with our slender-tailed meerkats in the first of a series of 360 degree videos! Enjoy an amazing view from all angles as our mob tuck into some of their favourite treats.

Produced in partnership with Orchard Media and Events Group

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Get up close with our meerkat mob as they enjoy some of their favourite treats in a 360 VR video!

The as-yet unsexed twins were born to seven-year-old Sumatran tigress Melati, on Monday 27 June 2016, after a 108-day pregnancy.

Keeping a close eye on the pregnant tigress, zookeepers noticed she was going into labour and monitored the births using a remote camera system they’ve nicknamed cubcam.

They watched excitedly as the first cub arrived at 9:19am, followed by the second at 10:02am. After a thorough clean from mum the youngsters nestled in for their first feed.

Melati and her cubs, who have yet to open their eyes, remain largely tucked away together inside their special cubbing dens with Melati occasionally venturing outside for food.

Assistant curator of mammals Teague Stubbington said: “We’re overjoyed with our new arrivals, and with how Melati is responding to her two cubs.

“The cubcam allows us to observe the youngsters 24/7 while not disturbing mum or dad at all, which is ideal while they get to know their babies.

“One of us is always on duty to keep an eye on the little ones throughout the night. Dad Jae Jae has also been spotted taking a peek at his new-borns!”

With wild Sumatran tiger numbers estimated to be as low as 300 individuals, the cubs represent a huge achievement not just for ZSL London Zoo but for the global breeding programme of this critically endangered species.

ZSL works in Indonesia to protect wild Sumatran tigers, and country manager Andjar Rafiastanto said: “This is exciting news for the Sumatran tiger, a flagship species for the ZSL conservation programme in Indonesia.

“ZSL has been in Sumatra for more than 14 years, working with our government counterparts to increase the protection of Sumatran tigers. The birth of these two tiger cubs brings us hope for their long-term survival.”

Find out all about the male resident of ZSL London Zoo's Sumatran tiger exhibit Tiger Territory.

Jae Jae is a handsome male Sumatran tiger with a unique and eye-catching ruff of fur.

Born in San Francisco Zoo, Jae Jae moved to Akron Zoo, Ohio with his brothers Kami Sambol, and Burung when they were all a year old.

In autumn 2012, Jae Jae went the distance for love, travelling to his new home in ZSL London Zoo to meet female tiger Melati as part of the global breeding programme for this critically endangered species.

After successful introductions by zookeepers it's clear Jae Jae and feisty Australian Melati are a good match and the relaxed Romeo seems quite smitten with the new lady in his life.

On 3 February 2014, Jae Jae became a dad to Nakal, Budi and Cinta - vital additions to the international breeding programme for this critically endangered species. The trio were moved to other zoos at the beginning of 2016 to start their own breeding groups.

Jae Jae loves trying out new things and is always up for an adventure – be that bravely checking out a new paddock or getting to grips with a new toy. Quickly capturing the hearts of his keepers, Jae Jae is a fast learner and friendly to all he meets.

Jae Jae loves showing off his climbing skills on the five metre tall feeding pole – and he loves it even more when there’s a tasty treat at the top.

Adopt Jae Jae

Support tigers by adopting Jae Jae for yourself or as a gift. (Includes an e-ticket to the Zoo).

Vital statistics

Name:

Species:

Gender:

Birthdate:

Birth Zoo:

Other residences:

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Find out all about the female resident of ZSL London Zoo's exhibit Tiger Territory.

Melati is a young female Sumatran tiger with delicate feminine features. She is noticeably smaller than male Jae Jae.

Moving to ZSL London Zoo from the west coast of Australia, Melati lived in Perth Zoo with her twin brother Jaya until she was two years old, when they were moved into separate enclosures.

Her father Hari was born at ZSL London Zoo, so she’s returning to her British roots.

Zookeepers say that Melati is an intelligent and careful cat – taking her time to assess situations before jumping in paws-first. Unlike her roommate Jae Jae, Melati prefers to get to know people before deciding whether she likes them but she’s a loyal friend once she does.

Tigers live in a world of smells and keepers regularly spray perfume around Tiger Territory as enrichment for the big cats. Melati is a girls’ girl through and through – her favourite scent is the ultra- feminine Chanel No.5.

On the 3 February 2014, Melati gave birth to three cubs, Nakal, Budi and Cinta - vital new additions to the international breeding programme for this critically endangered species. The trio were moved to other zoos at the start of 2016 to start their own breeding groups.

Vital statistics

Name:

Melati

Species:

Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)

Gender:

Female

Birthdate:

August 2008

Birth Zoo:

Perth Zoo, Perth, Australia

Weight:

82kg

Other residences:

Melati lived at Perth Zoo since birth

Meena Kalia

25th February 2016

❤️ #LondonZoo #Tiger #TigerTerritory #Thursday

Lena

22nd February 2016

#zsl #tigerterritory #londonzoo

christopherparry

14th February 2016

All is quiet as the young tigers keep watch over the enclosure
#TigerTerritory #ZSL #LondonZoo #Camden #Westminster #London #TheRegentsPark #RegentsPark #SumatranTiger

Tiger spotting in London...we were so close we were hand to paw! Wish I could cuddle the big kitty. @zsllondonzoo ...................................................... #urbancats #tigers #tigerterritory #London #zoo #cats #wildanimals #conservation #animal #animalphotography